One Small Step...

It's my dirty little secret. I am disorganized. Although my type A personality dearly wants order and perfection, at the same time it paralyzes me because if the end result won't be perfection (and I know it won't), then why even bother? I know; sick, right?

Exhibit A: the counter top area next to the fridge. At least it's hidden and can't be seen unless you're right in front of it. But I was starting to have problems finding things when I needed them. Today's project in general was the kitchen, and as part of that I decided to tackle this.

Lots of the papers stacked up are coupons from the Sunday paper. It's been so long since I actually cut them out that I'm sure a large portion of them are already expired. I wouldn't let myself buy a paper yesterday because of this, until I get it under control. The black wire file-thingy on the right was Handsome's attempt to help me organize the incoming paper flow from school. It's labeled and everything. It just didn't work for me. Or I just didn't work it.

The white plastic thing on the far right is magnetic and sticks to the side of the fridge. I've had it for about 10 years. I keep stamps, scrap paper, restaurant coupons, and some memorabilia in it. It is a mess itself, but it corrals all those things and I know where they are. A while ago, the magnet came off, and it's just been sitting on the counter ever since.

So here's Exhibit B: the same space, after.

I hot-glued the magnet back to the white thing and stuck it back on the fridge. Then I unearthed my IKEA Utsaga buckets and rail from the depths of the basement and hung it up. I've had this for about 6 or 7 years and used it in every house during that time. Usually it's almost the first thing I put up. It holds all the pens, pencils etc, and will look somewhat messy itself before too long. I looked on the website, and it appears that they don't carry it anymore, but there are some similar systems, like Grundtal and Bygel. (Editing to add: this one looks even more like.) Oh, IKEA, how I love thee! I'm feeling the urge to make a trip to Chicago...

I used a binder clip to hold the wire to my cellphone charger, and now I can rest my phone on the rail while it charges. I also found some generic in/out boxes in the basement to hold Buzz books and church directories. I will try very hard to keep from stuffing any and all random papers in there.

Okay, so that's an improvement. But guess what I still have to do? Sort through all those papers that are now sitting on the kitchen table. Sigh.